Participating American Citizens LET I

Introduction “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” President John F. Kennedy, 1961 We enjoy the liberties, rights, and privileges guaranteed by our Constitution, yet on election day the average voter turnout is less than 50 percent. Who are the people who cast their votes in each election or join the military to serve their country? These people are participating citizens.

Characteristics - Participating American Citizens Believe in the equality of opportunity for all people. Have values, respect, and defend basic human rights and privileges guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Respect and uphold the law and its agencies. Understand and accept basic democratic principles as guides for their own behavior and that of other persons and groups; judge their own behavior and that of others by those same standards.

Characteristics - Participating American Citizens Understand that, in the long run, people will govern themselves better than any self-appointed group would govern them. Put the welfare state above their own whenever a choice between them is necessary. Feel they have inherited an unfinished experiment in self-government which it is their duty to carry on. Exercise their right to vote. Accept civic responsibilities and discharge them to the best of their ability.

Characteristics - Participating American Citizens Know techniques of social action (e.g., how to win support for desirable legislation) and cooperate with others in achieving such action. Accept the basic idea that, in a democracy, the majority has the right to make decisions under the Constitution. Assume a personal responsibility to help shape opinions on current social, economic, and political problems or issues. Realize the necessary connection of education with democracy.

Characteristics - Participating American Citizens Respect property rights, meet their promises in contracts, and obey regulations governing the use of property. Support fair business practices and fair relations between employers and employees. Assume a personal responsibility for the wise use of natural resources. Accept responsibility for maintaining and improving America’s competitive economic system.

Characteristics - Participating American Citizens Know in general how other economic systems operate, including their political and social consequences. Know about, critically evaluate, and support promising efforts to prevent war, but stand ready to defend their country against tyranny and aggression. Are deeply aware of the independence of people, and realize that a good life can be attained only by the organized cooperation of people the world over.

Characteristics - Participating American Citizens Understand other cultures and ways of life. Cultivate qualities of character and personality that have a high value in his or her culture. Are responsible family members and assume their full responsibilities for maintaining the civic standards of the neighborhood and community. Recognize taxes as payment for community services and pay them promptly.

Characteristics - Participating American Citizens What you see in these characteristics is a philosophy supporting the values of our society and of our Constitution. This philosophy is broad — it allows room for a certain degree of change and flexibility. Using such a philosophy as this, our society has been able to correct some of its social and economic injustices over the years. The type of citizen you are now and in the future is one of the freedoms available to you. That choice is yours. Use it wisely!

QUESTIONS?